Adapting and aligning device



Nov. 18, 1958 R. GUMBINNER 2,860,438

ADAPTING AND ALIGNING DEVICE Filed Dec. 1, 1955 $5.5. LEE-.5.

I I INVENTOR.

E0656 7 GIME/IV/VEE M, 7 im United States Patent ADAPTING AND ALIGNING DEVICE Robert Gumbinner, Tarrytown, N. Y., assignor to Polychrome Corporation, Yonkers, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 1, 1955, Serial No. 550,452

8 Claims. (Cl. 41-1) My invention relates to an adapting and aligning device to be used in connection with a photomechanical copier. More particularly it relates to an ,adapter and aligner suitable for use in connection with a copying process involving the exposure to light of a paper sheet coated with a gelatinous emulsion layer and then mechanically transferring such a layer from the exposed coated sheet to a receiving support sheet. Such photomechanical transfer methods are set forth, for example, in United States Patents Nos. 2,596,754 and 2,596,756.

In view of the finding that the photomechanical copy method referred to above may be used to transfer an image from the paper support carrying the emulsion layer (commonly referred to as a matrix sheet) to a flexible base lithographing plate, it has become necessary to develop a device which will accomplish this transfer in a simple, expeditous and economical manner.

The lithographing plates to which I refer have a hydrophilic surface which is sensitive to and readily attacked by the alkaline developing solution to which the matrix sheet is subjected. Therefore, while an image may readily be transferred from the matrix sheet to print paper by means of suitable pressure rolls secured to the photocopying apparatus, it becomes a problem for an operator, without lost effort and motion, to perform the two steps of removing developer from the matrix sheet and then transferring the emulsion thereon to the surface of the plate. It should be further noted that the entire operation must be performed rapidly so as to minimize atmospheric exposure and thereby avoid deterioration of the exposed matrix sheet.

Accordingly it is an object of my invention to provide an adapting and aligning device for readily and rapidly transferring a gelatinous emulsion layer from a matrix sheet to a receiving support sheet.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device which will properly align the matrix and receiving support so that the image is transferred to the receiving support in a manner which will allow it to be properly centered thereon.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device for transferring an image from a matrix sheet to a paper or other flexible base lithographing plate so that the image from the matrix sheet does not contain any excess alkaline substances which would otherwise have a deleterious effect and interfere with the transfer on the surface of the lithographing plate.

These and other objects of my invention will become more apparent when taken in connection with the description and drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective of my novel adapting and aligning device showing how it may be secured to the photomechanical copier and to a container which will carry a number of receiving support sheets.

Figure 2 is a view showing how my device may be used to align the matrix and receiving support sheets so 2,860,438 Patented Nov. 18, 1958 that the image is properly transferred to the receiving support.

Figure 3 is a side view of my device showing the upward movement of the sheets during the image transfer process.

Essentially my device comprises an angular plate secured at one end to the photomechanical copier, the other end being disposed within the open end of a container which carries a number of receiving support sheets. The bent portion of the plate which is adjacent the photomechanical copier carries thereon a guide member and xed projecting stops so that the matrix sheet and receiving support sheet may be properly aligned. Also, the device is provided with rollers which apply pressure at a point adjacent the bend in the angular plate which pressure is used to eifect the transfer of the image from the matrix to the receiving support.

Referring now to the drawings and to my invention in more detail, the adapting and aligning device comprises a plate 10 divided by transverse bend 11 into an upper portion 12 and a lower portion 13. The upper portion is secured by any suitable means such as rivets 15 to the container 29. The photomechanical copier shown schematically as 17 is secured to container 20 by screws 27 or other suitable means. The plate is ordinarily so arranged that the bottom portion 13 is substantially vertical and the upper portion 12 is bent away from the copier at an angle of from about 10 to 45 from the vertical. The lower portion of the plate is disposed within container 20 which is used to hold a supply of receiving supports, i. e. paper base lithographing plates.

There is also attached to the copier 17 an arm 22 into which is journalled a pressure roll 26, idler roll 29 and a metallic roll 30 and which reinforces strengthens the roller mechanism.

The upper bent portion 12 of the plate 10 which may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable rigid material, carries a plurality of slots 31 into each of which is inserted a guide member 32. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 these guides are transversely adjustable. The guide members 32 may be of simple construction and may, for example, consist of threaded members which are inserted into the transverse slots and which may then be secured to the plate by a nut or other threaded member on the underside thereof.

It should be noted, however, that these guide members need not necessarily be transversely adjustable but may, for example, be in the form of fixed studs. Also the plate 10 may also be in back of roll 29 so that rolls 26 and 29 can contact each other. The rolling action between these two rolls is sometimes desirable in minimizing drag as the matrix and receiving support sheets are pulled upwardly, in the manner hereinafter described.

The plate member 10 also carries, near its upper end, a pair of studs 39 which contact the top edge of the matrix sheet so that the coated portion thereof is just below the pressure roll and properly contacts the upper portion of the image-receiving support sheet. The plate member 10 is also provided with a U-shaped opening 40 at the upper end and which allows the operator to firmly grasp the matrix and receiving support near the roller mechanism and then pull them through the said roller, thereby effecting the image transferring operation.

Referring now to the operation of my device, the matrix sheet 51 or support for the emulsion layer is squeegeed dry by roller means attached to the photomechanical copier (not shown) so as to remove therefrom any excess alkaline developing solution. As previously mentioned, this is necessary in order that such alkaline solution shall not interact with the acid coating of the flexible lithographing plate and thereby destroy its usefulness. The dry matrix sheet 51 is then inserted over the plate so that its upper edge contacts stop members 39. The transversely adjustable guide members 32 are then set so that they contact the side edge of the matrix sheet and the plate 42 carried by these guide members contacts the side of the matrix sheet 51. If these guide members are fixed studs, they are arranged to correspond to the width of the matrix sheet 51.

This plate at its upper end also serves as a stop for the receiving support sheet. Thus, the receiving support sheet or lithographin'g plate 50 is superimposed over matrix sheet 51 in themanner indicated in Figure 2. The matrix sheet 51 does not carry emulsion coating on the portion overlapping the upper edge of the receiving sheet. The two sheets are therefore positioned so that the emulsion coating is made to contact the image receiving plate at the desired points. This allows the image to be centered properly in the lithographing plate while at the same time the image is transferred onto the said support sheet. The transfer is accomplished by lifting the two sheets upwardly in the manner shown in Figure 3, so that the pressure roll 26, reinforced by weighted roll 36, supplies an even lateral pressure against the two sheets which are in face-to-face relationship as they are pulled upwardly as indicated. The pressure roll 26 thus acts as a transfer roller so that an emulsion stratum is transferred from the exposed matrix sheet to the receiving support.

As hereinabove mentioned, the plate may be in back of roll 29 so that pressure is transmitted from roll 26 to roll 29 and thence to the sheets.

My invention, therefore, allows the exposed matrix from the photomechanical copier to be readily transferred to a lithographing plate since it makes it convenient for the operator of the photomechanical copier to not only align the two sheets properly but to dry the matrix sheet and quickly transfer the image to the lithographing plate before such image deteriorates due to open exposure to the atmosphere.

In the foregoing, I have described my invention only in connection with preferred embodiments thereof. Many variations and modifications of the principles of my invention within the scope of the description herein are obvious. For example, the aligner plate 10 may, if desired, be placed outside of the container 20. According- 1y, I prefer to be bound not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appending claims.

I claim:

1. An adapting and aligning device for use in connection with a photomechanical copier involving the mechanical transfer of a gelatinous emulsion layer from a matrix sheet to a receiving support sheet, which comprises an angular plate, said plate having associated there- 'with parallel guide members and projecting stops for positioning the matrix sheet relative to the receiving support, and roller means for applying pressure against the plate when the matrix and supporting sheets are drawn between the said roller means and the plate.

2. Anadapting and aligning device for use in connection with a photomechanical copier involving the mechanical transfer of a gelatinous emulsion layer from a matrix sheet to a receiving support sheet, which comprises a container open at one end, anangular plate secured to said container and having one end thereof angularly disposed away from and secured to the photomechanical copier, said plate having associated therewith parallel guide members and projecting stops for position ing the matrix sheet relative to the receiving support, and roller means for applying pressure against the plate when the matrix and supporting sheet are drawn between the said roller means and the plate, said angular plate including an opening at one end thereof positioned between said projecting stops to allow an operator to firmly grasp the matrix and supporting sheet.

3. An adapting and aligning device for use in connection with a photomechanical copier involving the mechanical transfer of a gelatinous emulsion layer from a matrix sheet to a receiving support sheet, which comprises a container open at one end, a transversely bent angular plate secured to said container and having one end thereof angularly disposed away from and secured to the photomechanical copier, the said end of the plate having associated therewith guide members arranged in parallel rows and above said guide members projecting stops for positioning the matrix sheet relative to the receiving support, and roller means for applying pressure against the plate when the matrix and supporting sheets are drawn between the said roller means and the plate.

4. An adapting and aligning device for use in connection with a photomechanical copier involving the mechanical transfer of a gelatinous emulsion layer from a matrix sheet to a receiving support sheet which comprises a container open at one end, a transversely bent angular plate secured to said container and having one end thereof substantially vertically disposed within the open end of the container and the other end thereof angularly disposed away from and secured to the photomechanical copier, the said other end of the plate having associated therewith parallel guide members and above said guide members projecting stops for positioning the matrix sheet relative to the receiving support, and pressure means adjacent the angular bend in the plate for applying pressure against the plate when the matrix and supporting sheets are drawn between the said roller means and the plate.

5. An adapting and aligning device for use in connection with a photomechanical copier involving the mechanical transfer of a gelatinous emulsion layer from a base support to a lithographing plate sheet which comprises in combination with an open container, a transversely bent angular plate secured to said container and having the lower end thereof substantially vertically disposed within the open end of the container and the other end thereof angularly disposed away from and secured to the photomechanical copier, the said other end of the plate having associated therewith guide members arranged in parallel rows and above said guide members projecting stops for positioning the matrix sheet relative to the receiving support, and roller means adjacent the angular bend in the plate for applying pressure against the plate when the matrix and supporting sheets are drawn between the said roller means and the plate, said angular plate including an opening at one end thereof positioned between said projecting stops to allow an operator to firmly grasp the matrix and supporting sheet.

6. An adapting and aligning device for use in connection with a photomechanical copier involving the mechanical transfer of a gelatinous emulsion layer from a base support to a lithographing plate which comprises in combination with an open container, a plate secured to said container and transversely bent at an angle of between 10 and 45 having the lower end thereof sub stantially vertically disposed away from the open end of the container and the other end thereof angularly disposed toward and secured to the photomechanical copier, the said other end of the plate having associated therewith transversely adjustable parallel guide members and above said guide members fixed projecting stops for positioning the matrix sheet, and roller means adjacent the angular bend in the plate for applying pressure against the plate when the matrix and supporting sheets are drawn between the said roller means and the plate, said angular plate including an opening at one end thereof positioned between said projecting stops to allow an operator to firmly grasp the matrix and supporting sheet.

7. A11 adapter and aligner for facilitating the transfer of a gelatinous emulsion coating from a be e support to a lithographing plate comprising an open container, an elongated, plate member secured to said container and transversely bent at an angle of from 10 to 45, said member having in the upper bent portion thereof stop means for engaging the leading edge of the base support, transversely slidable guide members arranged in parallel rows for engaging the longitudinal edges of the base support and roller means for applying pressure when transfering the emulsion from the base support to the lithographing plate when passing them over the bend of the plate in face-to-face relationship.

8. An adapting and aligning device for use in connection with a photornechanical copier involving the mechanical transfer of a gelatinous emulsion layer from a matrix sheet to a receiving support sheet, which comprises an angular plate, said plate having associated therewith guide members in the form of fixed studs arranged to correspond to the width of the matrix sheet, and projecting stops for positioning the matrix sheet relative to the receiving support, and roller means for applying pressure against the plate when the matrix and supporting sheets are drawn between the said roller means and the plate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,754,495 Lawrance Apr. 15, 1930 2,455,735 Condax Dec. 7, 1948 2,666,384 Yutzy et al. Ian. 19, 1954 

